We are pleased that you have chosen a Browning A-500G shotgun. It is certainly a gun you can be proud to own. It represents the state-of-the-art in modern gun design and manufacturing. The processes of design, testing and manufacturing were all assisted by advanced computer systems. The result is superior dependability, greater easeof-operation, smoother handling and more reliable overall function.
NEW GUN OWNERS RECORD KEEP THIS RECORD FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Browning Model Serial Number Gauge / Caliber Purchase Price Purchased From Date of Purchase
You Are Firearms Responsible Safety for 1. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR SHOTGUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, even though you are certain the shotgun is unloaded. Never point any firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Be extremely alert and aware of all persons and property within the range of your ammunition. As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can be the difference between life and death.
“safety” which blocks the gun’s trigger. See “Operation of the Safety” on page 14 for instructions on operation of this gun’s safety. shotgun with the respect due a loaded, ready-to-fire firearm. 3. LIKE ANY MECHANICAL DEVICE, A “SAFETY” CAN SOMETIMES FAIL; IT CAN BE JARRED OR INADVERTENTLY MANIPULATED INTO AN UNSAFE CONDITION. Make certain that they do not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety” in the “on safe” position unless shooting is imminent.
4 always be observed by you and those you hunt with: Always make certain that the stand being used is safe and stable. Always make certain that your firearm is unloaded when it is being taken up and down from the stand. Always make certain that your firearm is not dropped from the stand, or dropped while it is being taken up or down from the stand. Remember, a loaded firearm may discharge when dropped, even with the safety in the “on safe” position. 6.
. ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN WHEN NOT lN USE. REFER TO PAGE 20 OF THIS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE UNLOADING OF YOUR SHOTGUN. As a safety precaution, it is preferable to disassemble your gun for storage. Store your gun and ammunition separately — well beyond the reach of children. Take all safeguards to ensure your shotgun does not become available to untrained, inexperienced or unwelcome hands. 8. USE THE PROPER AMMUNITION.
9. DO NOT PUT A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A 12 GAUGE GUN. Store all shells of different gauges in completely separate and well-marked containers. Do not store shells of mixed gauges in a common container or in your pockets. EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN YOUR GUN. The most certain way to bulge or rupture a barrel is to drop a 20 gauge shell into a 12 gauge chamber. The 20 gauge shell, unfortunately, will not fall completely through the barrel; its rim is caught by the front of a 12 gauge chamber.
13. BESURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BACKSTOP. Particularly, be sure during low light periods. Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or hard objects. 14. ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN’S CHAMBER BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE, CLlMBlNG A TREE, JUMPING A DlTCH OR NEGOTlATlNG OTHER OBSTACLES. Refer to page 23 of this instruction book for instructions on the unloading of your shotgun. Never place your shotgun on or against a fence, tree, car, or other similar object. 15.
disposed of in a way that cannot cause harm. If the primer is not indented, your firearm should be examined by a qualified gunsmith and the cause of the malfunction should be corrected before further use. disassembly, cleaning and reassembly. Keep ammunition away from the cleaning location. Never test the mechanical function of any firearm with live ammunition. 18. BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU AND OTHERS. 20.
22. READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS IN THIS INSTRUCTION BOOK AND ON AMMUNITION BOXES. It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date information on the safe handling procedures for your Browning gun. Browning cannot assume any responsibility when unsafe or improper arms and ammunition combinations are used. 23. Center or by Browning’s service facility in Arnold, Missouri.
10 Nomenclature General In conventional gun terminology, the position and movement of gun parts are described as they occur with the gun horizontal and in normal firing position; i.e., the muzzle is forward or front; butt stock is rearward or rear; trigger is downward or underneath; the rib is upward or on top. For general parts nomenclature refer to Figure 1-A. See Figure 1-B for names of all parts and assemblies covered in disassembly and cleaning procedures.
FIGURE 1-B 11
12 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. Barrel Extension Guides Barrel Ring Guide/Gas Cylinder Front Action Springs Bolt Release Button (Carrier Latch Button) Breechblock Assembly Carrier Forearm Sleeve Bar Assembly Magazine Tube Magazine Cap Magazine Spring Retainer pressure regulation valve releases excess gas pressure that is not necessary for operating the action. This keeps bolt speed more consistent and allows you to shoot all factory 2 3/4" and 3"' loads interchangeably, without adjustment.
ited, merely take out the three shot adapter as explained on page 34 under “Three Shot Adapter.” Initial Cleaning Various exposed metal parts of your new A500 have been coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before assembling your A-500G, clean the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and the action/ chamber areas. Browning Oil is ideal for removing this compound and for giving your new gun its first lubrication. However, any quality gun oil may be used.
14 conspicuous red warning band is visible on the safety button on the left side of the trigger guard. To place the gun “ON SAFE,” press the “safety” button to the right. To move the “safety” to the FIRE position, press the “safety” to the left. FIGURE 2 The safety is reversible and can be reversed from right- to left-handed by a competent gunsmith. When installed, the left-handed “safety” will have the “safety” button’s red warning band on the RIGHT side of the trigger guard.
As previously explained, never rely on your shotgun’s mechanical “safety” devices as the sole provision for safety. NEVER POINT YOUR SHOTGUN AT ANYTHING YOU DO NOT INTEND TO SHOOT. Always treat your shotgun, even when unloaded, with the respect due any loaded, ready-to-fire firearm. Assembly System of Barrel and Components Gas CHECK YOUR GUN CAREFULLY TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE CONTAIN NO SHELLS.
FIGURE 3 2. The gas piston, sleeve bar and return spring will remain in place and do not need to be removed, except for cleaning. If the forearm assembly parts have been removed, reinstall them as explained below. Otherwise, proceed to step 6. 3. Insert the return spring into the round hole in the end of the sleeve portion of FIGURE 4 the sleeve bar assembly — the end which has the action bar protruding — not in the ten sided, decadon-shaped end (See Figure 3).
FIGURE 5 4. Slide the sleeve bar assembly onto the magazine tube with action bar and return spring first. Align the end of the action bar so it rides in the track on the left side of the receiver (See Figure 4). 5. Insert the gas piston onto the magazine tube, flanged end first. Slide it down to the sleeve bar assembly (See Figure 5). 6. With the gun in the horizontal position, FIGURE 6 ejection port up, attach the barrel by sliding the barrel guide ring/gas cylinder over the magazine tube.
18 slide it so far forward that the end of the action bar disengages from the track in the receiver. 7. When the barrel extension rails are fully seated in the receiver tracks, position your shotgun vertically, barrel up. The barrel extension will usually hang up slightly where the end of the extension contacts the face of the rotary bolt, and at this point is only partly engaged.
3. For cleaning, remove the gas piston and sleeve bar assembly by sliding them forward off of the magazine tube. It is not necessary to disassemble any part of the gas pressure regulation valve. See “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” on page 44 for suggested cleaning procedures. If you are disassembling for storage, return the sleeve bar assembly and the gas piston onto the magazine tube as shown previously in Figure 6. Reinstall the forearm over the magazine tube and screw on the magazine cap.
20 See caution number 8 on page 5 of this booklet for an explanation. FIGURE 7 CAUTION: WHENEVER A SHELL HAS BEEN CYCL ED INTO THE CHAMBER— DURING LOADING OR ANY OTHER TIME, AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY- THE SHOTGUN IS READY TO FIRE BY SIMPLY MOVING THE “SAFETY” TO THE OFF SAFE POSITION. METHOD ONE: LOADING THE CHAMBER THROUGH THE EJECTION PORT — 1. After making sure the “safety” is “on safe,” pull the operating handle to the rear until the breechblock locks in the open position.
proper gauge through the ejection port into the open breech (See Figure 7). Press the breechblock release button. listed below. With the magazine loaded, and the breechblock closed, merely pull back on the operating handle, fully to the rear, and release it, allowing the breechblock to close. This will automatically cycle a shell from the magazine to the chamber. KEEP YOUR FINGERS CLEAROFTHE EJECTION PORT. This will automatically cause the shell to be picked up and delivered to the chamber correctly.
22 FIGURE 8 sure the rim of the shell engages the carrier latch and is held fully inside the magazine tube. It will make an audible click when fully inserted. Repeat this procedure until the magazine is fully loaded. CAUTION: WHENEVER A SHELL HAS BEEN CYCLED INTO THE CHAMBERAUTOMA TICAL L Y OR MANUAL L Y— THE SHOTGUN IS READY TO FIRE BY SIMPLY MOVING THE "SAFETY" TO THE OFF SAFE POSITION. MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE CLEAR OF THE EJECTION PORT. 3.
Unloading your ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBER, ACTION, CARRIER AND MAGAZINE VERY CAREFULLY AFTER UNLOADING TO BE SURE ALL LIVE ROUNDS ARE CLEARED FROM THE GUN. A-500G CAUTION: WHENEVERUNLOADING, ALWAYS BECERTAIN THAT THE MUZZLE IS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND THAT THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE “ON SA FE” POSITlON. 1. One way to unload the A-500G is simply to grasp the operating handle and cycle the action until all rounds are ejected. 2.
24 BROWNING A-500G GAS OPERATED Schematic is provided for parts identification only and should not be used as a guide to assemble guns. IMPORTANT: When ordering parts, list part number, part name, caliber, model and serial number. SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN CAUTION: Browning parts are made exclusively for Browning guns and are not recommended for use in other guns even though models may be similar.
PARTS LIST KEY BROWNING NO. PART NO. 1 2 3 4 P014001 P014006 P014007 P014012 5 *6 7 *8 *9 *10 P014016 P014030 P014034 P014044 P014048 P014052 *11 12 13 P014056 *P014060 P014065 14 P014076 *15 P014084 *16 P014069 17 P014095 *18 P014101 19 20 *21 22 *23 24 P014105 P014110 P014115 P014120 P014125 P014130 25 P014134 26 *27 28 P014138 P014144 P014148 A-500G DESCRIPTION SEMI-AUTOMATIC KEY NO. 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 *39 40 41 42 SHOTGUN BROWNING DESCRIPTION PARTNO.
4. Load the magazine as explained above under “Loading the Magazine” on page 23. EVEN WITH THE BREECH LOCKED OPEN AFTER SHOOTING, DO NOT ASSUME YOUR SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED. ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBER, CARRIER AND MAGAZINE TUBE TO BE SURE THEY CONTAIN NO CARTRIDGES. THEN, REMEMBER TO ALWAYS TREAT ANY GUN AS IF IT WAS LOADED. ALWAYS HANDLE YOUR SHOTGUN WITH CAUTION. Operation of the Magazine Cut-off The magazine cut-off lever is located at the front end of the left side of the receiver.
tion, chambering a shell from the magazine each time the breechblock cycles rearward (as when you shoot or manually cycle the breechblock). Also, with the magazine cutoff in operation, and with the chamber empty and the breechblock locked in the rearward position, a loaded shell may be instantly delivered from the magazine to the chamber by merely moving the lever from the “MC” position (magazine cut-off), to the “R” (repeater) position.
REMOVING THE TRIGGER GROUP — FIGURE 10 You will need two medium blade screwdrivers to remove the trigger guard retaining screws (the trigger guard retaining nut and the trigger guard retaining screw). Make sure the screwdrivers are of appropriate size to prevent damage to the slotted heads. No other tools are necessary. 1. Remove the barrel as explained under “Disassembly’ on page 18. Set the forearm, as well as the forearm buffer and spring, aside. 2.
30 FIGURE 11 4. Remove the retaining nut and screw from the receiver. 5. With the gun inverted (trigger guard up), grasp the trigger guard and pull it up, forward and out from the receiver (See Figure 11). DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE TRIGGER GROUP BEYOND THIS POINT. FIGURE 12-A FIGURE 12-B Perform all cleaning with the trigger group kept intact as an assembly. REMOVING THE BREECHBLOCK — Normal procedure is to remove the barrel and trigger group first, as explained previously. 1.
FIGURE 13 With your left hand, push on the bolt head moving the breechblock about 1/2" back into the receiver, lining up the operating handle with the notch at the bottom front of the ejection port (See Figure 12-A). With your right hand grasp the operating handle and pull it outward, removing it from the breechblock (See Figure 12-B). 2. The breechblock will now be able to move forward about another 1/2”. Again, push rearward on the bolt head, depressing the breechblock back into the receiver about 1/4".
32 FIGURE 14 3. With the breechblock lever pressed, remove the breechblock, forward, out of the front of the receiver. The action springs will stay attached to the breechblock, projecting from the rear. The breechblock is now fully removed. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE BREECH BLOCK BEYOND THIS POINT. FIGURE 15 Reassembly: Trigger Group REINSTALLING ASSEMBLY — and THE Breechblock BREECHBLOCK 1. Insert the breechblock into the receiver opening, action springs first.
on the breechblock must fit in the receiver tracks. Make sure the front action springs fit over the ends of the action spring guides (See Figure 14). Push the breechblock in far enough so that the breechblock lever engages, holding the breechblock in the receiver. Simultaneously push back on the breechblock while depressing the breechblock release button until the notch in the ejection port lines up with the operating handle recess on the breechblock.
34 Three-Shot Magazine Adapter The A-500G shotgun is delivered with the three-shot magazine adapter installed in the magazine, limiting magazine capacity to two shells — allowing three shots total in compliance with federal migratory bird regulations. If you do not wish to be limited to three shots — when it is not required by law — you can remove or reinstall the three-shot adapter (plug) as follows: ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE SAFETY GLASSES DURING THIS OPERATION. 1.
are it removing the three-shot adapter OR insert four 2 3/4" shells (or three 3inch magnums) if the three-shot adapter was removed previously and you are it reinstalling it. Position an additional shells as if you were going to insert it into the magazine (it will stop only partially inserted because of the full magazine). 5.
36 FIGURE 17 the retainer is dislodged (See Figure 17). DO NOTUSEANYOTHER OBJECT THAN THE PALM OFYOURHANDTO APPLYPRESSURE TO THELAST SHELL 6. With the retainer dislodged, IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THESHELLS FROM THE MAGAZINE. DO NOT UN- FIGURE 18 SCREW THE MAGAZINE CAP WITH SHELLS IN THE MAGAZINE. Remove the shells as follows: first, hold the operating handle back approximately 1/4".
FIGURE 19 the carrier latch with your finger (See Figure 18). Release and remove one shell at a time from the magazine. IMMEDIATELY PUT ALL THESHELLS AWAY IN YOUR AMMUNITION STORAGE AREA—AWAY FROM YOUR A-500G AND OTHER GUNS. 7. Carefully unscrew the magazine cap from the magazine. CAUTION: THE MAGAZINE SPRING IS UNDER TENSION AND WILL FORCE OUT THE RETAINER, THREESHOT ADAPTER, AND THE SPRING ITSELF UNLESS CARE IS TAKEN. Slowly lift the magazine cap off of the magazine.
38 REASSEMBLY WITH THE THREE-SHOT MAGAZINE ADAPTER INSTALLED. To reassemble the magazine with the threeshot adapter installed, first, position the gun vertically, butt down. Then reinstall the magazine follower in the magazine tube, closed end first. Place the three-shot adapter inside one end of the magazine spring, small end first. Place the magazine spring retainer over the top of the adapter.
compression fitting on the end of the magazine tube. Reassembly of the magazine, and removal/installation of the three-shot magazine adapter is now completed. To prepare for replacing the barrel and forearm on your A-500G, pull the operating handle on the breech-block fully rearward, locking the breechblock back. You are now ready to reinstall the barrel/ forearm assembly to the receiver as outlined in “Assembly of Barrel and Gas System Components” on page 18.
CAUTION: WHENEVER HANDLING ANY SHOTGUN FOR THE PURPOSE OF REMOVING OR INSTALLING A CHOKING DEVICE, MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE GUN IS FULLY UNLOADED, AND THE BOLT OR BREECH IS LOCKED OPEN! NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR INSTALL A SHOTGUN CHOKING DEVICE ON A LOADED FIREARM! TUBE REMOVAL1. UNLOAD YOUR A-500G FULLY, INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN ANY SHELLS. 2. Open the action, locking it rearward, and place the “safety” in the “on safe” position. 3.
THEINVECTOR CHOKE TUBESHOULD BE PERIODICALLY CHECKED TO ASSURE THAT IT IS TIGHT AND FIRMLY SEATED. BEFORECHECKING, FOLLO WTHESAFETYGUIDELINES OUTLINEDABOVE. Replacement and additional tubes and wrenches are available from your Browning dealer, or by writing to the Browning Consumer Department, Route 1, Morgan, Utah 84050. (801) 876-271 1. Canadian customers please call or write to Browning Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee, 3167 De Miniac, St. Laurent, Canada H4S 1 W6. (514) 333-7261.
FIGURE 21 Rim Notches PatternWith LeadShot PatternWith SteelShot I II III IIII IIIII No Notches Knurled Ext Full Imp. Modified Modified Imp. Cylinder Skeet Cylinder X-Full Special Full*** Full*** Modified Imp. Cylinder** Imp. Cylinder *** * ** *Not for use with steel shot Using an over-tight choke constriction with steelshot will result in an ineffective, "blown" pattern. **Extra Full Special with knurled rim and no rim code. Do not use with steel shot.
Use of Extra Barrels WINDAGE ADJUSTMENT — On all Browning A-500G shotguns, barrels of the same gauge are completely interchangeable, and no special fitting is required.
Cleaning and Suggestions Maintenance You should clean your A-500G whenever it becomes excessively dirty — and perform a thorough cleaning at least once a year. The barrel should be cleaned, and the action wiped clean and oiled after every day of shooting. The gas system should require only occasional cleaning.
placed on the end of the action bar where it slides along the track in the receiver (See Figure 22). This will help to relieve friction and ensure smooth operation. Also, lightly lubricate the breechblock, rotary bolt and spring guides. If the gun has been exposed to much dust, dirt, mud or water, the principal working parts including the gas system, should be wiped clean and lubricated with a light film of oil. Browning Oil is recommended. DO NOT POUR LARGE QUANTlTlES OF OIL INTO THEACTION.
4. Inspect the bore from both ends for leading by looking through bore toward light. Leading will appear as dull longitudinal streaks and is usually more predominant near the muzzle and just forward of the chamber. 5. A normal amount of leading can be expected with today’s high velocity loads and improved wads but this is not serious. If or when leading should become heavy, it can be removed with a brass bore brush. Make sure a choke tube is installed.
2. To clean the gas system, first spray the gas piston with a good powder solvent and brush it thoroughly to remove any deposits (an old toothbrush is ideal for this). Spray into the gap between the inner and outer portions of the piston. 3. Clean the gas regulation valve system (it is located inside the barrel ring guide/gas cylinder) by spraying it with a aerosol Browning Oil or a good powder solvent, and brushing any deposits free (See Figure 23). NEVER use a steel brush on any of the gas components.
CLEANING THE ACTION AND TRIGGER GROUP — 1. When the action becomes excessively dirty, remove the trigger group and breechblock assembly from the receiver as explained under “Full Disassembly” on page 28. Clean with an oil such as Browning Oil or a gun solvent as necessary, using an old toothbrush to loosen any caked-on grime. Wipe the receiver cavity clean. Lightly oil the cavity (aerosol Browning Oil is ideal) and wipe it dry. No further disassembly is required for cleaning. 2.
Service or Repair If your firearm should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center. Contact your Browning sporting goods dealer or call our Service Department for the address of the Service Center nearest you. Otherwise, you may send your firearm directly to our own Service Department. For technical questions about your firearm or service call our Service Department.
You Are Responsible For Firearms Safety. As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can mean the difference between life and death. Failure to follow any of these instructions can cause extensive damage to your gun and/or possible serious injury or death to yourself and others. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle any firearm with intense respect for its power and potential danger.
7. BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTION. Do this for the safety of both your gun and yourself. Mud, snow, and an infinite variety of other objects may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It takes only one small obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that can ruin (swell or rupture) the finest shotgun barrel. BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS FULLY UNLOADED. Make sure no live rounds are in the chamber.
12. USE SHELLS OF CORRECT LENGTH. The size of the chamber is inscribed, along with gauge and choke designations, on the side of the barrel. Do not use 31/2" shotgun shells in a shotgun or barrel with a 2 3/4" chamber or 3" chamber. Do not use 3" shells in a shotgun chambered for a 2 3/4" shells. Doing so can result in a build-up of dangerously high pressures that may damage your gun and possibly cause serious injury to yourself or others. 13.
22. SUPERVISE AND TEACH FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY -ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN AND NONSHOOTERS. Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting/shooting safety courses. 23. NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING. Your vision and judgment could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others. 24. PERFORM PERIODIC MAINTENANCE -- AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING.
